'I present to you a visionary Pan-African,' Ruto officially announces Raila's AUC bid

In a resplendent function at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday, President Ruto expressed confidence in Odinga's competency to lead AUC owing to his illustrious leadership career.

"I present to you a visionary Pan-African, a bold and wise leader, a professional and technocrat as well as a towering statesman and veteran mobiliser for positive change. I am confident that he will give his utmost and do all it takes to make Africa proud and powerful," he said.

"He embodies extensive experience and a deep understanding of both African affairs and global dynamics, which are crucial for leading the African Union farther into the centre of global affairs and closer to the hearts of our people."

President Ruto noted that Odinga will be the perfect candidate to actualize Africa's greatest potential of becoming a global economic powerhouse.

He said that Odinga will define and amplify the continent's transformation agenda of achieving growth for Africa's posterity.

"Kenya has already stepped up to enhance its contribution to Africa's development by championing institutional reforms at the African Union. We believe that offering a highly qualified, experienced and competent candidate to lead the AU Commission is perfectly consistent with our commitment to the transformation of our continent through our institutions of Pan-African unity," he said.

President Ruto called on African leaders to rally behind Odinga and support his bid to usher the continent on the road of "freedom and democracy, stability and security, peace and prosperity" 

"The assignment we are called upon to undertake at the African Union Commission is the work of all Africans, for all Africans and a noble cause to bring our peoples and nations in touch with the promise of the glorious future we all deserve," he said.

On his part, Odinga has asserted that he is willing to take the bull by its horns and significantly transform the continent if he clinches the position.

A myriad of leaders from the Eastern Africa region have assured Odinga of their support.

Odinga will also be supported by a secretariat led by Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary (PS) Korir Sing’oei and former Kenyan Ambassador to the United States (US) Elkana Odembo. 

The secretariat will also include a diverse membership drawn from the five regions of the African Union.